As we struggle to come to grips with what happened on September 11, 2001, we must not lose sight of the fact that what happened was done in the name of religion. Granted, it might not be what you consider to be religion, but it was a religion nonetheless. It is of foremost importance that people everywhere, including Americans, must begin to have tolerance for the religious views of others.

It disturbs me so greatly that so very many terrorist acts are committed by people who genuinely believe they are acting in the name of God. My greatest complaint about organized religion, even in our country, is that so many religions are adamant in their belief that their way is the ONLY way to the Supreme Being. Granted, in our country, people are not often killing others to act on that belief, but they hold that belief nonetheless. You wonder why I say that Americans are not acting "often" on that belief? Remember those who were killed in abortion clinic bombings? Remember doctors who were killed by antiabortion terrorists? Those acts were perpetrated by Americans. Americans who believed that their beliefs were worth killing others to enforce. This is why I feel that fundamentalism in any form is so dangerous. Many people are crying that a return to God is the only way to save our country, but let us never forget, that a belief in God (Allah) is the reason that the terrorism of September 11, 2001 occurred.

We must learn that there are many ways to the Supreme Being. We must acknowledge that maybe our way is NOT the only way, and that even if it is, we must not force our beliefs on others. Everyone, even the terrorists, have a right to their beliefs. They DO NOT, however, have a right to act on them in a way that hurts others.

For just one example of religious intolerance, go to the Human Rights Campaign's web site to read a transcript of part of the conversation between Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson as they discussed the events of September 11th:
Transcript and HRC Response.
I am frightened by the fact that many Americans look to these men as religious leaders, and follow their dictates.

We must look inside ourselves at our own beliefs and prejudices as we try to make sense of what has happened to us, and as we go forward in taking action against these hideous acts. Lest you think that I'm a total pacifist, let me assure you that I'm not. Just because I believe in religious tolerance does not mean I believe in sitting back and letting terrorist activity go unpunished. Nor should the countries that harbor and give aid to terrorists go unpunished. I just don't want religion to be part of that discussion. Act on the actions of others, not on the beliefs of others.

I am concerned, though, that the people who have been most severely punished in our War on Terrorism may be innocent victims - the people of Afghanistan and Iraq.

For information that can help us all to try to find ways to have more tolerance for others, please review the information at these sites:

OCRT: An Agency Promoting Religious Tolerance as a Human Right
This is a terrific, informative site. It's based in Ontario, but has global importance.

Foundation for Religious Freedom
An organization dedicated to educating the public about religious freedoms, rights and responsibilities.

Foundation for Religious Tolerance
Another organization dedicated to providing information, and action on behalf of religious tolerance.

Freedom of Religion for Everyone Everywhere
Working for world peace, religious freedom, tolerance and liberty in the year 2001.

United Communities of Spirit
A global interfaith network, linking people of diverse faiths and beliefs who want to work with others to build a better world.

Shaking of Foundations
Their purpose is to challenge you to confront your "knee-jerk" and "other-imposed" ideas and beliefs in order that you might arrive at your own philosophy of the world & how it works.

International Association for Religious Freedom
The International Association for Religious Freedom was organized in 1900 to resist intolerance.

Fellowship of the Earth: Fight the Fear
Purple Ribbon Campaign to show support for religious tolerance and the freedom to believe in our own paths. For the remainder of 2001, the money collected for the ribbons will be donated to the Red Cross relief fund.